Themed collection Recent Review Articles

The rise of intercalation ferroelectricity: a mini-review
Nanoscale, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03854E
Two-dimensional ferroelectric synaptic devices enabled by diverse coupling mechanisms
Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) ferroelectric (FE) materials have recently emerged as promising candidates for advanced synaptic devices in brain-inspired neuromorphic computing systems.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 22763-22794
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02639C
Unveiling Quantum Phases in Two‐Dimensional Materials with Optical Quasiparticle Probes
Nanoscale, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03359D
Unravelling the nanoarchitectonics of –C–N– linkages in covalent organic frameworks for CO2 capture—a mini-review
Overview of design strategies and adsorption interactions in stable covalent organic frameworks (COFs) featuring functionalized 3D Schiff base C–N linkages, emphasizing their effectiveness in CO2 capture applications.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 22100-22121
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02324F
Advancing supercapacitors with graphene-based 2D–2D heterostructures and heteroatom engineering
Graphene-based two-dimensional heterostructures are gaining attention as promising solutions for supercapacitor applications.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 22086-22099
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR01620G
Recent advances in metal organic frameworks and their derivatives for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry in metabolic finger printing
Nanoscale, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03302K
Phage–nanomaterial platforms for precision antimicrobial therapy: from design to therapeutic application
This review summarizes the design, antimicrobial mechanisms, and infection-model applications of phage–nanomaterial platforms, highlighting strategies for synergistic antibacterial activity and perspectives for clinical translation.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 21423-21457
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02249E
Advances in semiconductor quantum dot-based physical unclonable functions for enhanced security applications
Quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as promising platforms for physical unclonable functions (PUFs), where their nanoscale heterogeneity, emission variability, and spectral tunability enable robust, unique, and secure authentication.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 20865-20879
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03356J

Optical properties of polymer-derived carbon dots
The optical properties of carbon dots produced from polymers are reviewed. The synthesis, structure and optical properties of polymer-derived carbon dots are highly varied and are explored for a wide range of applications.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 20848-20864
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR01092F
Electrode reaction mechanisms in aqueous batteries: a comparative study and perspective on solid–solid versus solid–liquid–solid conversions
This work systematically compares solid–solid and solid–liquid–solid conversion mechanisms in aqueous batteries and provides new insights into designing high-performance aqueous energy storage systems.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03170B
Integrating piezoelectric dressings with botanicals as emerging smart dressings for diabetic wound healing
Three aspects that piezoelectric materials promote wound healing are as follows: (A) electrical stimulation promotes tissue repair, (B) piezoelectric catalytic antibacterial action, and (C) drug-loaded piezoelectric dressings.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 20044-20056
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR01797A
Structure, properties and applications of HfO2-based piezoelectric films
The Hf1−xAxO2 films demonstrate strong piezoelectricity, exhibiting either positive or negative d33 values. Consequently, they are utilized in novel MEMS/NEMS devices, including actuators, resonators, and sensors.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 19613-19624
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02530C
g-C3N5-based photocatalysts for energy and environmental applications: insights into properties, structural modifications, challenges, and future directions
The growing demand for sustainable energy and environmental remediation has intensified the search for efficient, metal-free catalysts.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 18534-18559
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02485D

Advances in carbon nanomembranes for separation: from free-standing films to composite structures
This work reviews carbon nanomembranes (CNMs) from self-assembled monolayers to composite membranes, focusing on their development and potential in separation applications.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 17004-17015
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05361C

Challenges and strategies for first-principles simulations of two-dimensional magnetic phenomena
This review introduces key concepts and tools for modelling 2D magnets with DFT, covering magnetism basics, challenges like spin order, and methods to extract Hamiltonian parameters and critical temperatures for various anisotropies.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05503A
Fullerene-driven photocarrier processes in perovskite solar cells: recent advances
Recent advances in understanding photocarrier dynamics of fullerenes in PSCs, focusing on charge transport, interfacial interactions, and the impact of functionalized derivatives on efficiency and stability.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 15648-15675
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR01894C

Photoluminescence fluctuations in single perovskite nanocrystals: structural, environmental and ligand effect
This review discusses key factors influencing photoluminescence fluctuations of single perovskite nanocrystals and highlights surface passivation strategies to enhance their stability.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 15617-15627
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR01778E
Mechanistic insights and rational catalyst design in NOx electroreduction
This review integrates theoretical and computational advances to identify active sites and key intermediates in NOx electroreduction, offering mechanistic insights and guiding principles for selective ammonia synthesis.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 15628-15647
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR01682G
Fabrication of MXene films through various techniques: a mini review
MXenes are 2D materials with high conductivity and tunable surfaces, ideal for energy storage and flexible electronics.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 15676-15689
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR01272D
The application prospect of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration
This review highlights the therapeutic potential of metal-based and metal oxide nanoparticles in IVDD by leveraging their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microenvironment-modulating properties to enhance tissue repair. The ToC was created in BioRender. Zhang, L. (2025) https://BioRender.com/6fzdcqv.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 15605-15616
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05504G

Iron-based nanozymes induced ferroptosis for tumor therapy
This review highlights iron-based nanozymes including iron oxides, single-atom nanozymes, and MOFs that induce ferroptosis via ROS generation and Fenton chemistry, achieved by POD-, CAT-, OXD- and SOD-like activities.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 14103-14117
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00880H
Stimulus-responsive nanomaterials for ocular antimicrobial therapy
This review highlights recent stimulus-responsive antimicrobial nanotherapeutics for ocular infections, focusing on their design, progress, and advantages/limitations.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 13653-13667
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05462H

Mechanism of methane activation and graphene growth on oxide ceramics
Mechanisms of graphene growth via chemical vapor deposition on oxide ceramics such as Al2O3, MgO, CaO, and SiO2 are discussed, with a focus on substrate-specific methane activation processes, toward versatile three-dimensional graphene synthesis.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 13646-13652
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00569H
A review on the insights into redox-based regeneration strategies for LiFePO4 batteries
This review systematically compiles studies on redox reactions during SLFP regeneration, which are crucial for enhancing the understanding the regeneration of SLFP batteries.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 12048-12064
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04671D
Polymer additives in liquid electrolytes for advanced lithium batteries
This review focuses on the recent application progress of polymer additives in liquid electrolytes for lithium batteries.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 11275-11292
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00470E

Recent progress of noble metal-based nanozymes: structural engineering and biomedical applications
This review highlights the recent progress in structural engineering of noble metal-based nanozymes and their enzyme-like properties in various enzyme-mimicking reactions and diverse biomedical applications.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 10557-10580
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05514D

Spin effects in metal halide perovskite semiconductors
This review explores the spin effects in both achiral and chiral metal halide perovskites and their opto-spintronic applications.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 9895-9906
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00127G
Flexible fibrous electrodes for implantable biosensing
This review explores advancements, applications, challenges, and future prospects of flexible fibrous electrodes for implantable biosensing, highlighting their potential in biomedical monitoring and human–machine interfaces. Images reproduced with permission, full details in paper.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 9870-9894
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04542D
Biomimetic ion channels with subnanometer sizes for ion sieving: a mini-review
The ion-selective transport property of biological systems has inspired the development of biomimetic ion channels. This mini-review highlights the mechanisms, recent fabrication strategies and applications of biomimetic ion channels.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 9021-9039
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00758E
Smart MXene-based microrobots for targeted drug delivery and synergistic therapies
This review emphasizes the groundbreaking potential of MXene-based microrobots in developing targeted drug delivery and synergistic therapeutic approaches.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 9040-9056
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05160B
Cu-based bimetallic catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction: before and beyond the tandem effect
Cu-based bimetallic catalysts show enhanced electrochemical CO2 reduction performance via the tandem effect. This review traces their progress, highlighting design advances, mechanisms, and challenges to guide efficient CO2 conversion.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 9057-9071
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04790G
Functionalization of rod-shaped plant viruses for biomedical applications
This review explores the development of biomedical nanomaterials based on rod-shaped plant viruses, providing insights into the design of innovative biomaterials for applications related to drug delivery, bioimaging and immune-therapy. Created in https://BioRender.com.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 9072-9085
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05354K

Hydrogen bubble evolution and its induced mass transfer on zinc electrodes in alkaline and neutral media
Hydrogen bubble evolution presents both challenges and opportunities in Zn-based batteries. While bubble evolution induces electrode instability and dendrite formation, it can also optimize mass transfer through controlled fluid dynamics.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 8453-8465
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05108D

Characterisation of polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery
Polymeric nanoparticles represent an innovative approach to drug delivery, particularly for addressing complex diseases like cancer.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 7738-7752
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00071H
External strategies for enhanced sensing performance of self-powered polyvinylidene fluoride-based sensors
External strategies such as electrode design, stress/heat transfer improvements, microstructure optimization, and multifunctional synergy show great potential for improving sensing performance of PVDF-based sensors. Images reproduced with permission, full details in paper.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 6981-6992
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05200E

Sustainable nanofibrous membranes for air filtration, water purification and oil removal
The increasing demand for sustainable solutions to address environmental and energy challenges has driven the development of advanced materials. This paper highlights recent advancements in the development of sustainable nanofibrous membranes.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 6427-6447
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04673K
Recent advances in multimodal mechanoluminescent sensors enabled by nanostructure design
Multifunctional coupling and signal decoupling achieved through nanostructure and supramolecule design, enable multimodal mechanoluminescent materials to play an increasingly important role in interdisciplinary applications and cutting-edge fields.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 6414-6426
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04875J
Multifunctional DNA nanomaterials: a new frontier in rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and treatment
DNA nanomaterials offer promising advancements in addressing the challenges of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through targeted drug delivery, biomarker detection, and therapeutic innovation.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 4974-4999
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04013A
Colloidal semiconductor quantum shells for solution-processed laser applications
Laser diodes based on solution-processed semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) present an economical and color-tunable alternative to traditional epitaxial lasers.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 3698-3707
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04653F
Leveraging the dual role of ROS in liver diseases with nanomaterials: clearing and amplifying for therapy
The dual role of ROS in liver diseases, and the potential of nanomaterials with catalytic activity for therapeutic applications are examined.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 3688-3697
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04469J
NIR-II upconversion nanomaterials for biomedical applications
This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent biomedical applications of upconversion nanomaterials specifically within the near-infrared two-region (NIR-II) window (1000–1700 nm).
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 2985-3002
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04445B
Mathematically inspired structure design in nanoscale thermal transport
Mathematically inspired structure design has emerged as a powerful approach for tailoring material properties, especially in nanoscale thermal transport, with promising applications both within this field and beyond.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 3003-3013
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04385E

Advances in integrated power supplies for self-powered bioelectronic devices
The emerging integrated power supplies for self-powered bioelectronic devices over the past few years are summarized. Additionally, the challenges and future perspectives in self-powered device design and manufacturing are also indicated.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 2423-2437
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04645E

Design strategies and performance enhancements of PVDF-based flexible electrolytes for high-performance all-solid-state lithium metal batteries
Lithium metal is considered one of the most promising anode materials for lithium batteries due to its high theoretical specific capacity (3860 mA h g−1) and low redox potential (−3.04 V).
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 2408-2422
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04583A
Organic semiconductor bulk heterojunctions for solar-to-chemical conversion: recent advances and challenges
This minireview highlights recent progress in BHJ-based photoelectrochemical cells and photocatalysts for solar-to-chemical conversions.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 1889-1921
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03938F
Chiral nanomaterials as vaccine adjuvants: a new horizon in immunotherapy
Chiral nanomaterials are emerging as a promising class of vaccine adjuvants with the potential to significantly enhance vaccine efficacy, especially in the context of cancer immunotherapy.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 1932-1935
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03542A

Advances in simulating dilute alloy nanoparticles for catalysis
Dilute and single-atom alloy catalysts have attracted tremendous attention in heterogeneous catalysis. Herein, we discuss recent progress on simulating their stability and catalytic behavior.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 1936-1953
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03761H
Near-infrared circularly polarized luminescence enabled by chiral inorganic nanomaterials
We summarize the latest developments in NIR-CPL generated by chiral inorganic nanomaterials and provide new perspectives for constructing NIR-CPL materials and developing new applications for chiral nanomaterials.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 1922-1931
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03743J
Bioinspired solid-state nanochannels for molecular analysis
Solid-state nanochannel sensors consisting of recognition elements and nanochannels are capable of detecting a wide range of small molecules including gas molecules, drug molecules and biomolecules.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 1225-1237
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03711A
Unveiling nanoparticle–immune interactions: how super-resolution imaging illuminates the invisible
This mini-review focuses on how super-resolution techniques uncover the detailed interactions between nanoparticles and immune cells.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 1213-1224
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03838J

Chirality generation on carbon nanosheets by chemical modification
Chirality is an intriguing property of molecules, and exciting area of study involves the generation of chirality in nanographenes (NGs), also known as graphene quantum dots.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 774-787
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02952F

Donor–acceptor conjugated polymers as high-mobility semiconductors: prospects for organic thermoelectrics
Donor–acceptor conjugated polymers combine electron- and hole-transport units, enabling both p- and n-type doping. Their high intrinsic mobility and tunable energetics make them promising for efficient organic thermoelectrics.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02141C
Metal-organic chemical vapour deposition of van der Waals 2D chalcogenides and heterostructures: a review
This review highlights recent progress in metal-organic chemical vapour deposition of wafer-scale 2D chalcogenides and future guidelines. Key topics include precursor chemistry, growth mechanisms, epitaxy, heterostructures, and doping strategies.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 22606-22628
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02265G
The curious case of anti-PEG antibodies
Humans are exposed to PEG and have ample opportunities to create anti-PEG antibodies.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 22594-22605
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02301G
Nanowires in precision diagnostics: bridging preventive health care with nanoscale innovation
Schematic of nanowires, and their synthetic routes, properties, and applications in the sensing of clinically and environmentally important molecules. The graphical abstract artworks were obtained via Canva.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 22682-22714
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02381E
Acid-stable oxygen-evolving catalysts: progress in non-precious material engineering and scalability barriers
This work breaks new ground by linking catalyst design with engineering needs for proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers, providing a roadmap for non-precious catalysts in acid conditions.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 22566-22593
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03118D
Smart wearable fibers and textiles: status and prospects
Smart wearable fibers and textiles: status and prospects.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 22733-22762
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02801A
Recent advances in metal–organic frameworks and derived multifunctional materials for photocatalytic applications
Recent advances and challenges in MOFs-based photocatalysts are reviewed in classification, structural properties, and modifications. Photocatalytic applications of renewable energy and environmental sustainability were systematically summarized.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 22648-22681
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02892B
Environmental applications and performance engineering of COF membranes prepared by interfacial polymerization
Advancements in COF membranes via interfacial polymerization: a comprehensive review on synthesis, environmental applications, and future directions.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 22629-22647
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02760H
Overcoming the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer via barrier-specific nanoparticle drug delivery
Major barriers in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME), including metabolic stress, physical penetration limits, and immune suppression, and the nanoparticle-based drug delivery strategies designed to overcome these challenges.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 22715-22732
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR01067E
Microfluidic-based nanocarriers for overcoming biological barriers in therapeutic delivery systems
Microfluidic technologies have revolutionized the synthesis of nanocarriers for drug and gene delivery, providing unparalleled precision and efficiency in the production of therapeutic nanoparticles.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02322J
Nanozyme-driven remodeling of the immune microenvironment: from catalytic therapy to precise immune regulation
By mimicking enzymatic activities, nanozymes emerge as versatile platforms to reprogram immune responses, paving the way for next-generation immunotherapy.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03420E
Tailoring MXenes for energy storage: insights into element doping
Element doping can endow MXenes with enhanced electrochemical properties, catalytic performance, and structural characteristics. This review focuses on the doping mechanism, doping methods and applications of MXenes in the field of energy storage.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03386A

Data driven approaches in nanophotonics: a review of AI-enabled metadevices
AI surrogates are displacing brute-force simulations in meta-optics; we review strategies from CNNs to LLMs that speed design, capture coupling, and yield fabrication-friendly, multifunctional devices.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02043C
Interfacial electronic modulation in heterostructured OER electrocatalysts: a review
Heterostructured OER electrocatalysts overcome kinetic limits via interfacial electronic redistribution, optimizing intermediate adsorption. This review examines their design, mechanisms, advantages, and challenges for sustainable energy conversion.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03055B
Strategies for the synthesis of open vase-like microcapsule ordered arrays with transition metal oxyhydroxide walls and their possible practical applications
This review outlines the basic principles of a chemical strategy for obtaining arrays of open vase-like microcapsules (VLMs) with walls made of metal oxyhydroxides on the surface of substrates.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02646F
A Review on Multi-Enzyme Activity of ZIF, PBA, PCN and MIL MOF-Derived Cascade Nano-Enzymes for Catalytic Applications
Nanoscale, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02634B
Application of carbon quantum dots in smart polymer films for biomedical diagnostics
Nanoscale, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR02878G
Mixed transition metal phosphides: recent progress and frontiers in secondary batteries and supercapacitors
Metal phosphides, which have been extensively explored for energy storage applications such as batteries and supercapacitors, possess unique physicochemical, morphological, and electrochemical properties.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 22050-22085
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR01892G
Recent advances in mass-sensing humidity sensors: mechanisms, materials, and applications
In this review, mass-sensing humidity sensors are comprehensively summarized from the aspects of humidity sensing mechanisms, humidity sensing materials, and emerging applications. Images reproduced with permission, see Figure 1 for details.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR03048J
About this collection
In addition to high impact and high quality research across nanoscience & nanotechnology, Nanoscale publishes topical review articles. Reviews will be added to this webpage as soon as possible after publication.